Reclosable package and method

ABSTRACT

A reclosable tamper-evident package is opened and closed repeatedly by moving a slider device with a clip in a first, inoperative position that interlocks a first closure of the package. When it is desired to close the package and provide an indication of further opening, the clip is moved to a second, operative position, so that motion of the slider also interlocks a second closure that cannot be opened without providing an indication. A slider device includes a top wall, first and second sidewalls, and a clip moveable from an inoperative position to an operative position. A closure assembly includes a zipper with the slider device. A method of using a package includes grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down to engage the clip against a portion of a zipper closure arrangement, and then moving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/721,186 filed Sep. 27, 2005.application Ser. No. 60/721,186 is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to closure arrangementspackages, and, in particular, to a closure arrangement for recloseabletamper-evident packages, and methods of using tamper-evident packages.

BACKGROUND

Reclosable packages are convenient because they can be closed and sealedto preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Reclosable packages arealso advantageous because they may be opened and closed multiple times.However, in certain applications such as where it is desired to maintainthe security and integrity of the contents of the package, it may bedesired that a reclosable package be capable of being opened and closedmultiple times, and also be capable of being closed in such a way thatit cannot be readily opened again without providing an indication thatit has been opened or tampered with. In this way, the package istamper-evident, such that an indication, such as a visual indication, isapparent if the package is opened after having been closed in such a wayto prevent re-opening without providing an indication of tampering. Forexample, it may be desired to place evidence for use in a legalproceeding in a package. This may require opening and closing thepackage multiple times to deposit contents into the package, and when itis desired that the contents no longer be accessed, then closing thepackage in a manner that prevents the evidence contained within frombeing accessed or tampered without an indication being provided.Similarly, it may be desired to place cash or financial instruments in apackage where the package is capable of being opened and closed multipletimes before being closed in a manner that provides an indication if thecontents are later accessed. Other applications for tamper-evidentpackages exist.

Consequently, a need exists for a package that can be opened and closedmultiple times, and can be closed in such a way that an indication isprovided if the package is re-opened.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is disclosed a slider device for use with a zipperclosure arrangement for a recloseable package that has a top wall, afirst sidewall depending from the top wall, and a second sidewalldepending from the top wall. Together, the top wall, first sidewall, andsecond sidewall define a cavity adapted to receive the zipper closurearrangement. The slider device also includes a clip that is secured toat least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall. Theclip is moveable from a first, inoperative position to a secondposition, where the second position includes the clip being oriented tooperatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.

In another aspect, a closure assembly is disclosed that has a zipperclosure arrangement with first and second zipper profiles constructedand arranged to selectively interlock. A slider device is oriented toslide along the zipper closure arrangement, which includes a top wallthat is oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement,a first sidewall depending from the top wall that is oriented to slidealong a side of the zipper closure arrangement, and a second sidewalldepending from the top wall that is oriented to slide along a side ofthe zipper closure arrangement. Together, the top wall, first sidewall,and second sidewall define a cavity to operatively receive the zipperclosure arrangement. The slider device also includes a clip that issecured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and secondsidewall. The clip is moveable from a first position to a secondposition, where in the first position, the clip is remote from thezipper closure arrangement, and in the second position, the clip isoriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.

In another aspect, a package is disclosed that includes a surroundingwall that defines a bottom, an interior volume, and a mouth to provideaccess to the interior volume. A closure assembly is oriented at themouth of the package, where the closure assembly includes a zipperclosure arrangement having first and second zipper profiles constructedand arranged to selectively interlock, and a slider device oriented toslide along the zipper closure arrangement. The slider device includes atop wall oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closurearrangement, a first sidewall depending from the top wall oriented toslide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement, and a secondsidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side ofthe zipper closure arrangement. The top wall, first sidewall, and secondsidewall define a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closurearrangement therein. There is also a clip secured to at least one of thetop wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall, the clip being moveablefrom a first position to a second position. In the first position, theclip is remote from the zipper closure arrangement, and in the secondposition, the clip is oriented to operatively engage the zipper closurearrangement.

In yet another aspect, a tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement isdisclosed that includes a first closure including mating profile membersconstructed and arranged to selectively move between being interlockedand separated, and a second closure, adjacent to the first closure, andincluding mating profile members constructed and arranged to selectivelyinterlock. The second closure includes a tamper-evident structure tosignal when the second closure has been interlocked and then separatedat least once after being interlocked.

In a further aspect, a method of using a package is disclosed. Thepackage includes a package surrounding wall defining an interior volume,a mouth, and a closure assembly oriented at the mouth. The closureassembly includes a zipper closure arrangement and a slider deviceoperably oriented on the zipper closure arrangement. The method of usingthe package includes grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down toengage the clip against a portion of the zipper closure arrangement, andmoving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezesthe portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The figures and detailed description that follow moreparticularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having a closure assemblyincluding a zipper closure arrangement and a slider device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the closure assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slider device depicted in FIGS. 1and 2, with a clip in a first, inoperative position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slider device depicted in FIG. 3with the clip in a second, operative position.

FIG. 5 is an alternative perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 3and FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the slider device depicted in FIGS. 1-5, withthe clip in a first, inoperative position.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of a closure assembly.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the zipper closure arrangement useable in theclosure assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a reclosable portion of azipper closure arrangement of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a tamper-evident closureuseable in the closure assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety ofpackaging arrangements. The invention has been found to be particularlyadvantageous for use in sealing mechanisms for polymeric packages. Anappreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained througha discussion of an application example for such a packaging arrangement.

FIG. 1 illustrates a package 20, which includes a first panel section 22and second, opposed, panel section 24, typically made from a flexible,polymeric film. For some manufacturing applications, the first andsecond panel sections 22, 24 are heat-sealed together along two edges26, 28 and meet at a fold line in order to form a three-edgedcontainment section for a product within the interior 30 of the package20. The fold line comprises the bottom edge 32. Alternatively, twoseparate panel sections 22, 24 of polymeric film may be used andheat-sealed together along the two edges 26, 28 and at the bottom 32.Together, panel sections 22, 24 comprise a surrounding wall 34 thatdefines the package interior 30. Access is provided to the interior 30of the package 20 through a mouth 36. A closure assembly 38 is part ofpackage 20 adjacent to mouth 36.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example closure assembly 38 constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure. Closure assembly 38 comprises aslider device 40 and a zipper closure arrangement 42. Closure assembly38 is shown in FIG. 1 attached to surrounding wall 34 along mouth 36.For example, closure assembly 38 may be heat sealed to surrounding wall34. Other methods of attachment are possible.

Zipper closure arrangement 42 includes a first zipper profile 44defining a first closure 46 and a second zipper profile 48 defining asecond closure 50. First closure 46 is constructed and arranged toselectively interlock. Many embodiments of closure 46 are useable. Oneembodiment of closure 46 is a reclosable closure 46 shown in FIG. 9. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9, reclosable closure 46 comprises firstand second opposing surfaces 52, 54. Attached to first opposing surface52 is a first hooked profile member 56. Attached to the second opposingsurface 54 is a second hooked profile member 58. Specifically, in theparticular embodiment shown, the first and second hooked profile members56, 58 have a J-shaped cross section.

In the specific embodiment shown, the reclosable closure furtherincludes a first closure post 60 attached to first opposing surface 52adjacent to the first hooked profile member 56. The first closure post60 and first hooked profile member 56 form a gap 61 along first surface52 that is configured to receive second hooked profile member 58 withingap 61. First and second hooked profile members 56, 58 are constructedand arranged to selectively interlock and separate. Specifically, an endregion 62 of the first hooked profile member 56 engages with an opposingend region 64 of the second hooked profile member 58 to interlock thefirst and second hooked profile members 56, 58. To separate the firstand second profile members 56, 58, sufficient force must be applied toclosure 46 in a separating direction to cause first hooked profilemember 56 and second hooked profile member 58 to deform and to slide outof contact. In some embodiments, a slider device is used to separate themembers 56, 58, as described further below.

Second closure 50 is also constructed and arranged to selectivelyinterlock. Many embodiments of closure 50 are useable. Closure 50 may beproximate to first reclosable closure 46 along first and second opposingsurfaces 52, 54. In one embodiment, closure 50 may be a closureconstructed in accordance with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9. Inanother embodiment, closure 50 is a tamper-evident closure that includesa tamper-evident structure to provide a signal when closure 50 has beeninterlocked and then separated at least once after being interlocked. Anembodiment of a tamper-evident closure is depicted in FIG. 10.

In reference now to FIG. 10, closure 50 includes a first zipper profile66 defining a male profile member 68 and a second zipper profile 70defining a female profile member 72. Male profile member 68 and femaleprofile member 72 are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock.The male profile member 68 includes a head 74, having a wedge-shapedforward portion 76 and a straight rearward portion 78, and a stem 80connecting the head 74 to the remaining portion of the first zipperprofile 66.

Still in reference to FIG. 10, female member 72 comprises first andsecond arms 82, 84 that form a receiving void 86 sized to receive theforward portion 76 of head 74 of male member 68. Each of the arms 82, 84of female member 72 includes fingers 88, 90 extending into void 86 toengage with rearward portion 78 of head 74 when head 74 is oriented inthe void 86 of the female member 72.

In FIG. 10, second closure 50 also includes first and second posts 92,94 on first zipper profile 66, where the first post 92 is adjacent toand against the first arm 82 of female member 72, and the second post 94is adjacent to and against the second arm 84 of female member 72 whenthe male member 68 is operably oriented in the female profile member 72.Stem 80 is frangible, such that a sufficient force applied in aseparating direction to second closure 50 will cause stem 80 to breakbefore male profile member 68 disengages from female profile member 72.The breaking of stem 80 separates head 74 from the remaining portion offirst zipper profile 66, thereby providing an indication that the secondclosure 50 has been tampered with.

Closure assembly 38 includes a slider device 40. Slider device 40 isoriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement 42 and isconstructed to selectively squeeze one or more of first and secondclosures 46, 50. Many embodiments of slider device 40 are usable. Aperspective view of one useable embodiment of a slider device 40 isshown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, slider device 40comprises a top wall 96, a first side wall 98 depending from top wall96, and a second side wall 100 depending from top wall 96. Together, thetop wall 96, first side wall 98, and second side wall 100 define acavity 102 to operatively receive a zipper closure arrangement 42. Topwall 96 comprises an exterior surface 104 and an interior surface 106.Interior surface 106 is apparent in FIG. 5.

Slider device 40 also comprises a clip 108 that is movable from a first,inoperative position to a second position. By “inoperative,” it is meantthat when in the first position, the clip 108 does not affect theoperation of the slider device 40 relative to the zipper closurearrangement 42. Many embodiments of clip 108 are possible. A perspectiveview of one embodiment of clip 108 is shown in FIG. 3. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3, clip 108 is secured to at least one of the top wall96, first side wall 98, and second side wall 100. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 3, clip 108 includes a first wall 110, a first leg 112depending from the first wall 110, and a second leg 114 depending fromthe first wall 110. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 depicts the clip 108secured to the top wall 96. A living hinge 116 is depicted in thisembodiment as securing the top wall 96 of the slider device 40 to theclip first wall 110.

In the embodiment shown, top wall 96 of slider device 40 includes anaperture or opening 118 extending through top wall 96. Opening 118 issized or dimensioned to allow the first and second legs 112, 114 of clip108 to move through the cavity 102. First sidewall 98 of slider device40 defines a first groove 134 sized to receive first leg 112 of clip108. Second sidewall 100 of slider device 40 defines a second groove 136sized to receive second leg 114 of clip 108.

Clip 108 is moveable from a first position, as shown in FIG. 3, whereinthe clip 108 is inoperative, to a second position, as shown in FIG. 5,wherein the clip 108 is operatively oriented to engage the zipperclosure arrangement 42. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in the firstposition of clip 108, the first and second legs 112, 114 are outside ofopening 118, and the clip first wall 110 is angled relative to the topwall 96. As shown in FIG. 4, when the clip 108 is in the secondposition, the first and second legs 112, 114 are at least partiallyinside of cavity 102. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst and second legs 112, 114 are substantially all the way inside ofcavity 102, and the clip first wall 110 is against top wall 96. Clip 108is brought to the second position by moving clip 108 through opening 118in top wall 96.

In some embodiments, slider device 40 includes a plow or splitter 120.Splitter 120 is constructed and arranged to at least partially separatethe zipper closure arrangement 42 when the slider device 40 is slidalong the zipper closure arrangement 42. One embodiment of a splitter120 is depicted in FIG. 5. The depicted splitter 120 depends frominterior surface 106 of top wall 96, and is generally wedge-shaped.Splitter 120 is characterized by a splitter depth 121, defined as thedistance that splitter 120 protrudes away from surface interior surface106. Splitter depth 121 is generally not greater than the distance fromtop surface 138 of zipper closure arrangement 42 to the uppermost hookedprofile member, such as hooked profile member 56.

In use, as the slider device 40 is slid or moved in an opening directionA (FIG. 1), the splitter 120 urges the first hooked profile member 56and second hooked profile member 58 (FIG. 9) to deform and move out ofengagement, causing the first closure 46 to unmate and open. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 9, splitter 120 contacts first and secondopposing surfaces 52, 54 associated with first closure 46, so thatmotion of splitter 120 in an opening direction causes a separating forceto be applied to opposing surfaces 52, 54. This separating force istransmitted through surface 52 to the first hooked profile member 56,and through surface 54 to second hooked profile member 58, causing eachhooked profile member 56, 58 to deform and move out of engagement.

When the slider device 40 is slid along the zipper closure arrangement42, splitter 120 does not operatively affect the second closure 50. Inthe embodiment of the zipper closure arrangement 42 depicted in FIG. 8,surfaces 52, 54 of zipper closure arrangement 42 are sufficientlyflexible that the separating force applied to them by splitter 120 neartop surface 138 is significantly transmitted to first closure 46 but isnot significantly transmitted to second closure 50.

Referring now to the embodiment of slider device 40 depicted in FIG. 6,the first and second sidewalls 98, 100 of slider device 40 define afirst width 122 therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region 124.The first width 122 is sized to cause the first and second sidewalls 98,100 to squeeze at least a portion of the zipper closure arrangement 42.For example, in certain embodiments, the zipper squeezing region 124 issized to cause the first and second sidewalls 98, 100 to squeeze firstclosure 46 of zipper closure arrangement 42 to cause first hookedprofile member 56 and second hooked profile member 58 to interlock.First and second sidewalls 98, 100 also define a second width 126therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region 128. Second width126 is typically greater than first width 124. Furthermore, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first and second sidewalls 98, 100 eachhas a hook construction 130, 132 at an end remote from the top wall 96.Zipper non-squeezing region 128 is between each hook construction 130,132 and the zipper squeezing region 124.

Slider device 40 is configured to engage with zipper closure arrangement42. Referring to the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, zipperclosure arrangement 42 includes end or top surfaces 138, a first region140 corresponding to first closure 46, a second region 142 correspondingto second closure 50, and package-side or bottom surfaces 144. In oneembodiment, the second region 142 projects outwardly relative to thefirst region 140. In the embodiment shown, the bottom surfaces 144intersect with an outer portion 146 of the zipper closure arrangement 42to define projecting corners 148. The corners 148 and the bottomsurfaces 144 together result in rails 150 that are used for retainingthe slider device 40 in sliding relation on the zipper closurearrangement 42.

In use, interior surface 102 of slider 40 engages with and slides alongtop surfaces 138 of zipper closure arrangement 42. Zipper squeezingregion 124 engages with and slides along first region 140, and zippernon-squeezing region 128 engages with and slides along second region142. Zipper squeezing region 124 generally contacts first region 140 andapplies a compression load or squeezing force to first closure 46.Zipper non-squeezing region 128 generally provides a clearance withsecond region 142 or makes light contact with second region 142, suchthat zipper non-squeezing region 128 does not cause significantsqueezing force to be applied to second closure 50. Hook construction130, 132 engages with and slides along rails 150.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, when clip 108 is in the first position,engaging the slider device 40 by moving it transversely in a firstdirection B (FIG. 1) across the zipper closure arrangement 42 causes asqueezing pressure to be applied by zipper squeezing region 124 to firstclosure 46. In one embodiment, the squeezing pressure causes firsthooked profile member 56 to engage with second hooked profile member 58,causing first closure 46 to be closed. Subsequently, engaging sliderdevice 40 by moving it transversely in a second direction (A, FIG. 1),reverse of the first direction, causes splitter 120 to engage with firstand second opposing surface 52, 54 of first closure 46 and apply adisassembling force to first and second hooked profile members 56, 58,causing first closure 46 to be opened. While the clip 108 is in thefirst position, no squeezing pressure is applied to the second closure50, and the male and female profile members 66, 70 are unaffected.

When clip 108 is moved to the second position (FIG. 4), engaging theslider device 40 by moving it transversely in a first direction (B)across the zipper closure arrangement 42 causes both a first squeezingpressure to be applied by zipper squeezing region 124 to first closure46 and a second squeezing pressure to be applied by first and secondlegs 112, 114 of clip 108 to second closure 50. Specifically, the legs112, 114 engage the second region 142. In one embodiment, the firstsqueezing pressure causes first hooked profile member 56 to engage withsecond hooked profile member 58, causing first closure 46 to be closed.The second squeezing pressure causes male profile member 66 and femaleprofile member 70 to engage and interlock, causing second closure 50 tobe closed. Subsequently, engaging slider device 40 by moving ittransversely in a second direction (A, FIG. 1), reverse of the firstdirection, causes splitter 120 to engage with first and second opposingsurfaces 52, 54 of first closure 46 and apply a disassembling force tofirst and second hooked profile members 56, 58, causing first closure 46to be opened. However, because of the configuration of second closure50, for example by being sufficiently remote from first closure 46,engaging slider device 120 in the second direction does not cause asufficient force to be applied to second closure 50 to cause it to beopened. Accordingly, once the male and female profile members 66, 70 ofthe second closure 50 are engaged and interlocked, further motion ofslider device 40 will not cause second closure 50 to open.

To open second closure 50, it is necessary to apply force in aseparating direction to second closure 50, such as by manually spreadingzipper closure arrangement 42. When applying a tensile load orseparating force to second closure 50, the amount of force required todisengage male profile member 66 from female profile member 70 isgreater than the amount of force required to break male profile member66 at neck 80. Thus, applying a sufficient separating force will breakmale profile member 66 at neck 80, releasing the connection between maleprofile member 66 and female profile member 70, and causing secondclosure 50 to be opened. However, the broken male profile member 66 willprovide an indication that the package 10 has been opened at least onceafter the second closure 50 has been closed, providing evidence oftampering.

Zipper closure arrangement 42 typically comprises a polymeric material.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, zipper closure arrangement 42 maycomprise a plurality of materials. For example, the first closure 46 ofzipper closure arrangement may comprise a first material, such aspolyethylene, and the second closure 50 of zipper closure arrangement 42may comprise a second material, such as polypropylene.

A method of using a package such as package 20 is provided. The package20 includes a package surrounding wall 34 defining an interior volume30, a mouth 36, and a closure assembly 38 oriented at the mouth 36.Closure assembly 38 includes a zipper closure arrangement 42. In oneembodiment, the method of using a package includes grasping a sliderdevice such as slider device 40 and pushing a clip such as clip 108 downtoward the slider device 40, and moving the slider device 40 in a firstdirection while the clip 108 squeezes a portion of the zipper closurearrangement 42 to close the mouth 36. In the embodiment of closureassembly 38 depicted in FIG. 2, pushing clip 108 down causes first andsecond legs 112, 114 of clip 108 to engage against a portion of zipperclosure arrangement 42, such as second region 142 associated with secondclosure 50. Slider device 40 is moved in a first direction along zipperclosure arrangement 42, and in doing so, legs 112, 114 of clip 108 applya squeezing force to second region 142, typically causing male profilemember 66 to interlock with female profile member 70. When male profilemember is interlocked with female profile member 70, the second closure50 cannot be opened without breaking a portion of the second closure 50.The method may also include applying a separating force to secondclosure 50 so that a portion of the second closure 50 breaks, allowingaccess to the interior 30 of package 20.

The method of using a package also includes a step, before the step ofgrasping a slider device and pushing a clip down, where the earlier stepincludes grasping a slider device and moving the slider device in afirst direction to squeeze only a portion of the zipper closure andreleasably close the mouth. For example, where the clip 108 is notpushed down toward top face 96 of the slider device 40, but rather isremoved from opening 118 and in an inoperative position and sliderdevice 40 is moved in a first direction along zipper closure arrangement42, then first and second sidewalls 98, 100 of slider device 40 apply asqueezing force only to first region 140. The squeezing force applied tofirst region 140 typically causes first and second hooked members 56, 58to interlock and create a releasable seal. A squeezing force is notapplied to second region 142, so that male profile member 66 does notinterlock with female profile member 70.

In one embodiment, slider device 40 and zipper closure arrangement 42are configured so that after clip 108 has been moved to a second,operative position and slider device 40 has been moved in a direction tooperatively engage male member 66 and female member 70 of second closure50, slider device 40 may be slid off of zipper closure arrangement 42and disposed of.

The above specification and examples are believed to provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of theinvention. Because many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the true scope andspirit of the invention reside in the broad meaning of the claimshereinafter appended.

1. A slider device for use with a recloseable package having a zipperclosure arrangement; the slider device comprising: (a) a top wall; (b) afirst sidewall depending from the top wall; (c) a second sidewalldepending from the top wall; (i) the top wall, first sidewall, andsecond sidewall defining a cavity to operatively receive a zipperclosure arrangement; and (d) a clip secured to at least one of the topwall, first sidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable froma first, inoperative position to a second position; (i) the secondposition including the clip being operatively oriented to engage thezipper closure arrangement.
 2. A slider device according to claim 1wherein: (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending fromthe first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall.
 3. Aslider device according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the clip is secured tothe top wall.
 4. A slider device according to claim 3 furthercomprising: (a) a living hinge between the clip first wall and top wallto secure the clip to the top wall.
 5. A slider device according toclaim 4 wherein: (a) the first position of the clip includes: (i) thefirst and second legs being outside of the cavity; and (ii) the clipfirst wall being angled relative to the top wall; and (b) the secondposition of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being atleast partially inside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall beingagainst the top wall.
 6. A slider device according to claim 5 wherein:(a) the top wall defines an opening; and (b) the first and second legsare movable through the opening when the clip moves from the firstposition to the second position.
 7. A slider device according to claim 6further comprising: (a) a splitter depending from the top wall; thesplitter being constructed and arranged to at least partially separatethe zipper closure arrangement when the slider device is slid along thezipper closure arrangement.
 8. A slider device according to claim 7wherein: (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first widththerebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width beingsized to cause the first and second sidewalls to squeeze at least aportion of the zipper closure arrangement; (ii) a second widththerebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second widthbeing sized greater than the first distance; (b) the first and secondsidewalls each has a hook construction at an end remote from the topwall; (i) the zipper non-squeezing region being between each hookconstruction and the zipper squeezing region; (c) the first sidewalldefines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and (d) thesecond sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.9. A slider device according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the first positionof the clip includes the first and second legs being outside of thecavity; and (b) the second position of the clip includes the first andsecond legs being at least partially inside of the cavity.
 10. A sliderdevice according to claim 9 wherein: (a) the top wall defines anopening; and (b) the first and second legs are movable through theopening to move the clip from the first position to the second position.11. A slider device according to claim 1 further comprising: (a) asplitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed andarranged to at least partially separate the zipper closure arrangementwhen the slider device is slid along the zipper closure arrangement. 12.A slider device according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first and secondsidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zippersqueezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first andsecond sidewalls to squeeze at least a portion of the zipper closurearrangement; and (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zippernon-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than thefirst distance.
 13. A slider device according to claim 12 wherein: (a)the first and second sidewalls each has a hook construction at an endremote from the top wall; (i) the zipper non-squeezing region beingbetween each hook construction and the zipper squeezing region.
 14. Aslider device according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the first sidewalldefines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and (b) thesecond sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.15. A closure assembly comprising: (a) a zipper closure arrangementhaving first and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged toselectively interlock; and (b) a slider device oriented to slide alongthe zipper closure arrangement; the slider device including: (i) a topwall oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement;(ii) a first sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slidealong a side of the zipper closure arrangement; (iii) a second sidewalldepending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipperclosure arrangement; (A) the top wall, first sidewall, and secondsidewall defining a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closurearrangement therein; and (iv) a clip secured to at least one of the topwall, first sidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable froma first position to a second position; (A) the first position includingthe clip being remote from the zipper closure arrangement; and (B) thesecond position including the clip being oriented to operatively engagethe zipper closure arrangement.
 16. A closure assembly according toclaim 15 wherein: (a) the zipper closure arrangement includes first andsecond closures defined by the first and second zipper profiles; (i) thefirst closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the sliderdevice is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a firstdirection; and (ii) the second closure being constructed and arranged tomate when the slider device is moved along the zipper closurearrangement in the first direction and when the clip is in the secondposition; the second closure being constructed and arranged not to matewhen the clip is in the first position.
 17. A closure assembly accordingto claim 16 wherein: (a) the slider device further includes a splitterdepending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arrangedto separate the first closure when the slider device is moved along thezipper closure arrangement in a second direction opposite of the firstdirection.
 18. A closure assembly according to claim 17 wherein: (a) thesplitter and the second closure are oriented so that the second closureis not separated by the splitter, when the slider device is moved alongthe zipper closure arrangement in the second direction.
 19. A closureassembly according to claim 16 wherein: (a) the clip includes a firstwall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second legdepending from the first wall.
 20. A closure assembly according to claim19 wherein: (a) the clip is secured to the top wall.
 21. A closureassembly according to claim 20 further comprising: (a) a living hingebetween the clip first wall and top wall to secure the clip to the topwall.
 22. A closure assembly according to claim 21 wherein: (a) thefirst position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs beingoutside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall being angledrelative to the top wall; and (b) the second position of the clipincludes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially insideof the cavity and pressed against the second closure; and (ii) the clipfirst wall being against the top wall.
 23. A closure assembly accordingto claim 22 wherein: (a) the top wall defines an opening; and (b) thefirst and second legs are movable through the opening to move the clipfrom the first position to the second position.
 24. A closure assemblyaccording to claim 22 further comprising: (a) a splitter depending fromthe top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to separatethe first closure when the slider device is moved along the zipperclosure arrangement in a second direction opposite of the firstdirection.
 25. A closure assembly according to claim 19 wherein: (a) thefirst and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween todefine a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to causethe first and second sidewalls to mate the first closure; (ii) a secondwidth therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the secondwidth being sized greater than the first distance and to not cause thefirst and second sidewalls to mate the second closure.
 26. A closureassembly according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the first and secondsidewalls each has a hook construction at an end remote from the topwall; (i) each of the hook constructions slidably engaging an externalportion of the zipper closure arrangement.
 27. A closure assemblyaccording to claim 19 wherein: (a) the first sidewall defines a firstgroove sized to receive the first leg; and (b) the second sidewalldefines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.
 28. A closureassembly according to claim 16 wherein: (a) the second closure includesa tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closure has beenmated and then separated at least once after being mated.
 29. A closureassembly according to claim 28 wherein: (a) the second closure includes:(i) a male profile member on the first zipper profile; the male profilemember including a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head toa remaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a femaleprofile member on the second zipper profile; the female profile memberbeing sized to receive and interlock with the male profile member.
 30. Aclosure assembly according to claim 29 wherein: (a) the stem isfrangible and will break to separate the head from a remaining portionof the first zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied tothe second closure.
 31. A closure assembly according to claim 30wherein: (a) the female profile member includes first and second armswith a receiving void therebetween sized to receive the head; and (b)each of the first and second arms includes a depending finger extendinginto the void to engage a base of the head, when the head is oriented inthe void of the female profile member.
 32. A closure assembly accordingto claim 31 wherein: (a) the second closure includes first and secondposts on the first zipper profile; the first post being adjacent to andagainst the first arm and the second post being adjacent to and againstthe second arm when the male profile member is operably oriented in thefemale profile member.
 33. A closure assembly according to claim 31wherein: (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending fromthe first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall; (b) thetop wall defines an opening; and (c) the second position of the clipincludes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially throughthe top wall opening and inside of the cavity pressed against the secondclosure to force the head of the male profile member into the void ofthe female profile member.
 34. A closure assembly according to claim 28wherein: (a) the first closure includes a first hooked profile member onthe first zipper profile; (b) the first closure includes a second hookedprofile member on the second zipper profile; (i) the first and secondhooked profile members being constructed and arranged to selectivelymate and separate.
 35. A closure assembly according to claim 34 wherein:(a) the first closure further includes a first closure post on the firstzipper profile adjacent to the first hooked profile member; (i) thesecond hooked profile member being received within a gap between thefirst closure post and the first hooked profile member, when the firstand second hooked profile members are mated.
 36. A closure assemblyaccording to claim 35 wherein: (a) the first and second sidewallsdefine: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezingregion; the first width being sized to cause the first and secondsidewalls to press against the first closure and move the second hookedprofile member into the gap between the first closure post and the firsthooked profile member, (ii) a second width therebetween to define azipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater thanthe first distance and to not cause the first and second sidewalls tomate the second closure.
 37. A closure assembly according to claim 36wherein: (a) the first closure is located between the second closure andthe top wall of the slider device; and (b) the zipper squeezing regionis located between the zipper non-squeezing region and the top wall. 38.A closure assembly according to claim 16 wherein: (a) the first closureis located between the second closure and the top wall of the sliderdevice.
 39. A package comprising: (a) a surrounding wall defining abottom, an interior volume, and a mouth to provide access to theinterior volume; and (b) a closure assembly oriented at the mouth; theclosure assembly including: (i) a zipper closure arrangement havingfirst and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged to selectivelyinterlock; and (ii) a slider device oriented to slide along the zipperclosure arrangement; the slider device including: (A) a top walloriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement; (B) afirst sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along aside of the zipper closure arrangement; (C) a second sidewall dependingfrom the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closurearrangement; (1) the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewalldefining a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closure arrangementtherein; and (D) a clip secured to at least one of the top wall, firstsidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable from a firstposition to a second position; (1) the first position including the clipbeing remote from the zipper closure arrangement; and (2) the secondposition including the clip being oriented to operatively engage thezipper closure arrangement.
 40. A package according to claim 39 wherein:(a) the zipper closure arrangement includes first and second closuresdefined by the first and second zipper profiles; (i) the first closurebeing constructed and arranged to mate when the slider device is movedalong the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction; and (ii) thesecond closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the sliderdevice is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in the firstdirection and when the clip is in the second position; the secondclosure being constructed and arranged not to mate when the clip is inthe first position.
 41. A package according to claim 40 wherein: (a) theslider device further includes a splitter depending from the top wall;the splitter being constructed and arranged to separate the firstclosure when the slider device is moved along the zipper closurearrangement in a second direction opposite of the first direction; and(b) the splitter and the second closure are oriented so that the secondclosure is not separated by the splitter, when the slider device ismoved along the zipper closure arrangement in the second direction. 42.A package according to claim 41 wherein: (a) the clip includes a firstwall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second legdepending from the first wall; (b) the clip is secured to the top wallwith a living hinge; (c) the first position of the clip includes: (i)the first and second legs being outside of the cavity; and (ii) the clipfirst wall being angled relative to the top wall; (d) the secondposition of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being atleast partially inside of the cavity and pressed against the secondclosure; and (ii) the clip first wall being against the top wall; (e)the top wall defines an opening; and (f) the first and second legs aremovable through the opening to move the clip from the first position tothe second position;
 43. A package according to claim 40 wherein: (a)the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween todefine a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to causethe first and second sidewalls to mate the first closure; (ii) a secondwidth therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the secondwidth being sized greater than the first distance and to not cause thefirst and second sidewalls to mate the second closure; (b) the firstsidewall defines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and (c)the second sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the secondleg;
 44. A package according to claim 40 wherein: (a) the second closureincludes a tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closurehas been mated and then separated at least once after being mated.
 45. Apackage according to claim 44 wherein: (a) the second closure includes:(i) a male profile member on the first zipper profile; the male profilemember including a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head toa remaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a femaleprofile member on the second zipper profile; the female profile memberbeing sized to receive and interlock with the male profile member; (iii)the stem being frangible to separate the head from a remaining portionof the first zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied tothe second closure; (b) the first closure includes: (i) a first hookedprofile member on the first zipper profile; and (ii) a second hookedprofile member on the second zipper profile; the first and second hookedprofile members being constructed and arranged to selectively mate andseparate.
 46. A package according to claim 44 wherein: (a) the firstclosure is located between the second closure and the top wall of theslider device.
 47. A package according to claim 40 wherein: (a) thefirst closure comprises a first material; and (b) the second closurecomprises a second material different from the first material.
 48. Atamper-evident zipper closure arrangement comprising: (a) a firstclosure including mating profile members constructed and arranged toselectively move between being interlocked and separated; and (b) asecond closure, adjacent to the first closure, and including matingprofile members constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; (i)the second closure including a tamper-evident structure to signal whenthe second closure has been interlocked and then separated at least onceafter being interlocked.
 49. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangementaccording to claim 48 wherein: (a) the second closure includes: (i) amale profile member on a first zipper profile; the male profile memberincluding a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head to aremaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a female profilemember on a second zipper profile; the female profile member being sizedto receive and interlock with the male profile member; (A) the stembeing frangible to separate the head from a remaining portion of thefirst zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied to thesecond closure.
 50. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangementaccording to claim 49 wherein: (a) the female profile member includesfirst and second arms with a receiving void therebetween sized toreceive the head; and (b) each of the first and second arms includes adepending finger extending into the void to engage a base of the head,when the head is oriented in the void of the female profile member; (c)the second closure includes first and second posts on the first zipperprofile; the first post being adjacent to and against the first arm andthe second post being adjacent to and against the second arm when themale profile member is operably oriented in the female profile member.51. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement according to claim 49wherein: (a) the first closure includes a first hooked profile member onthe first zipper profile; (b) the first closure includes a second hookedprofile member on the second zipper profile; (i) the first and secondhooked profile members being constructed and arranged to selectivelyinterlock and separate; and (c) the first closure includes a firstclosure post on the first zipper profile adjacent to the first hookedprofile member; (i) the second hooked profile member being receivedwithin a gap between the first closure post and the first hooked profilemember, when the first and second hooked profile members areinterlocked.
 52. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement accordingto claim 48 wherein: (a) the first closure comprises a first material;and (b) the second closure comprises a second material different fromthe first material.
 53. A method of using a package; the packageincluding a package surrounding wall defining an interior volume, amouth, and a closure assembly oriented at the mouth; the closureassembly including a zipper closure arrangement and a slider deviceoperably oriented on the zipper closure arrangement; the methodcomprising: (a) grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down toengage the clip against a portion of the zipper closure arrangement; and(b) moving the slider device in a first direction while the clipsqueezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close themouth.
 54. A method according to claim 53 further comprising: (a) beforethe step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down, graspingthe slider device and moving the slider in a first direction to squeezeonly a second portion of the zipper closure and releasably close themouth.
 55. A method according to claim 53 wherein: (a) the zipperclosure arrangement includes a first closure and a second closure; and(b) the step of moving the slider in a first direction while the clipsqueezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close themouth includes moving the slider in a first direction while the clipsqueezes the second closure to close the mouth.
 56. A method accordingto claim 55 wherein: (a) before the step of grasping a slider device andpushing a clip down, grasping the slider device and moving the slider ina first direction to squeeze only the first closure and not the secondclosure to releasably close the mouth.
 57. A method according to claim56 wherein: (a) the step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clipdown includes pushing a clip having a pair of legs through an opening ina top wall of the slider device to engage the second closure.
 58. Amethod according to claim 56 wherein: (a) the step of moving the sliderdevice in a first direction while the clip squeezes the second closureto close the mouth includes locking the second closure secure; thesecond closure being unable to be opened without breaking a portion ofthe second closure.
 59. A method according to claim 56 furthercomprising: (a) after the step of using the clip to close the secondclosure, accessing the interior volume by breaking the second closure.